Chinese Character: 简
1. Character Basics
Radical: 竹/zhú radical (竹字头)
Stroke Count: 13
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: jiǎn (third tone)
3. Meaning
simple, brief, concise, simplified, letter
4. Common Words
- 简单 (jiǎn dān) - simple, easy
- 简体 (jiǎn tǐ) - simplified Chinese characters
- 简历 (jiǎn lì) - resume, CV
- 简洁 (jiǎn jié) - concise, brief
- 简化 (jiǎn huà) - simplify
- 简易 (jiǎn yì) - simple and easy
5. Grammar & Usage
简 is primarily an adjective meaning "simple" or "concise". It is commonly used to describe things that are not complicated.
When used as an adjective, 简 typically follows the structure: Subject + 很/非常 + 简. For example: "这个问题很简单" (Zhège wèntí hěn jiǎndān) - "This question is very simple".
简 can also be a noun, particularly in the context of writing or communication. For instance, 竹简 (zhú jiǎn) refers to bamboo slips used for writing in ancient China, and 书简 (shū jiǎn) means "letter" in classical Chinese.
In modern usage, 简 is often combined with other characters to form compound words related to simplicity, brevity, or simplification, such as 简化 (jiǎn huà) meaning "to simplify" and 简洁 (jiǎn jié) meaning "concise" or "brief".
6. Cultural Background
The character 简 has deep cultural roots in Chinese history. Originally, 简 referred to bamboo slips (竹简, zhú jiǎn) that were used for writing before paper was invented. These slips were made by cutting bamboo into narrow strips, drying them, and writing on them with a brush and ink.
In traditional Chinese culture, there is a philosophical emphasis on simplicity. This is reflected in concepts like 大道至简 (dà dào zhì jiǎn), which means "the great Dao is simple" or "the highest principles are simple".
In the 20th century, 简体字 (jiǎn tǐ zì, simplified Chinese characters) were introduced as part of language reforms to increase literacy rates. Simplified characters reduce the number of strokes and simplify the structure of many complex traditional characters, making them easier to learn and write.
Today, simplified Chinese characters are the official writing system in mainland China, while traditional characters are still used in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau.
7. Example Sentence
句子 (jù zi): 这个问题很简单。
Pronunciation (pīn yīn): Zhège wèntí hěn jiǎndān.
Translation (fān yì): This question is very simple.
8. Memory Tips
The character 简 consists of two parts: 竹 (zhú, bamboo) on top and 间 (jiān, space) below. You can remember it by thinking of "bamboo slips with space between them" for writing, which is what 简 originally referred to.
Another way to remember: 简 sounds like "jian" and means "simple" or "concise". Think of the word 简单 (jiǎn dān) meaning "simple", which is a common word you might already know.
The radical 竹 (zhú, bamboo) at the top of the character is a clue to its original meaning related to bamboo slips used for writing in ancient China.